and ironically, would probably increase our deficit. >> reporter: and it would, the president warned, delay checks for social security and veterans' benefits. the president also said he would soon ask lawmakers to create new gun laws in the wake of the newtown massacre. he will likely seek universal background checks, limit on high-capacity magazines and a ban on assault weapons. reporting live here from the newsroom, i'm bob redell. >> bob, thank you very much. >>> after nearly two months in the hospital, former president george h.w. bush has been discharged. nbc news learning doctors at methodist hospital in houston, texas releasing the 88-year-old bush just this morning. he was admitted november 23rd for treatment of a bronchitis-related cough. in december, the nation's 41st president spent a week in the hospital's intensive care unit for treatment of a persistent fever. no word so far whether the elder bush will return to his houston home or be moved to rehabilitation center for continued medical treatment. >>> and some trouble this morning for apple. that stock down significantly